LAGUNA HILLS
A proposed face-lift for the La Paz shopping center ground to a halt at Tuesday’s City Council meeting because of a sign. The $400,000 renovation plan includes an identifying 25- to 30-foot sign for the center on Cabot Road, storefront signs and a new paint job. But the leaseholders of the space occupied by Howard’s Appliances would not agree to remove an existing Howard’s pole sign.
Attorney William B. Brincloe Jr. represents Sanwa Bank, owner of the shopping center. He said Howard’s reports that 25% of its business comes from the size and positioning of the sign. Brincloe said American Stores, which subleases the space to the appliance store, views Howard’s impact on the center’s business as a plus and wants it to remain unchanged. Andrew Zimbaldi, president of Alden Management group, the Newport Beach firm that manages the site, said if American Stores and Howard’s do not concede to removing the sign, the renovation plan may be abandoned.
The council did not set a date for future discussion.
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